The Bicol International Airport (BIA) is now strictly off-limits to unauthorized persons or objects, under pain of fine and imprisonment, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Thursday.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay has issued a new ordinance declaring BIA’s 16-kilometer radius as a protected area.
Provincial Ordinance 0059-2021, approved by Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara, prohibits the unauthorized entry of kites, hot air balloons, or any remote-controlled flying gadgets that could obstruct aircraft operations within BIA’s immediate environs.
The ordinance also prohibits the pointing of laser lights to aircraft, as well as the entry of persons, vehicles, or animals without the permission and approval of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as the BIA operator.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the agency reminded the public that it is not only dangerous, but also illegal to point laser beams or high intensity lights at the airport and on flight paths as it could jeopardize aircraft safety.
Violators of the ordinance face a fine of P5,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than 15 days to six months, depending on the court’s discretion.
